'Caps fall 1-0 to Colorado Rapids Women

Vancouver Whitecaps FC women (3W-5L-6D) wrapped up their United Soccer League W-League season on Sunday, as they lost 1-0 to the fourth-place Colorado Rapids Women (5W-5L-4D) at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.

Whitecaps FC started the game off on the right foot, however, luck was not on their side. Goalkeeper Alyssa Williamson connected with striker Mele French from a goal kick, sending her in on a breakaway eight minutes into the match. The Hawaiian struck a shot that seemed destined for goal, but it rang off the woodwork to keep the match scoreless.

On18 minutes, French was presented another chance for the Blue and White, as this time, Jenna Carosio sent her in one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but she sent her shot just wide of the far post. The match remained scoreless heading into halftime.

“I thought we had good control and possession throughout the first half,” said Whitecaps FC women’s head coach Jesse Symons. “I thought we carried the momentum well from Friday, but just weren’t able to capitalize on our chances.”

The ‘Caps seemed to pick up right where they left off in the second half. French used some fancy footwork to get around a defender, and for the third time in the game got in alone towards goal, but unfortunately she sailed her shot over the crossbar.

The Rapids would finally break the deadlock on 69 minutes. Australian international Brooke Spence took a shot from 25 yards out that looked to be going wide when it took a bad bounce for the ‘Caps, as it deflected off Carosio and past Williamson to give the home side a 1-0 lead.

Whitecaps FC tried to get back into the game, as striker Brandi Vega had a shot that pushed just past the far post. With the game hanging in the balance in the 89th minute, ‘Caps defender Demi Stokes sent midfielder Natalie Boyd in on a breakaway. However, a goal just was not on the cards, as Boyd was denied by Rapids goalkeeper Lauren Robertson to preserve their 1-0 lead.

“It’s a tough way to end the season,” said Symons. “We were able to get points off every team in the conference, we just weren’t able to complete the objective and get into the playoffs. We will look to push forward and build on the positives for next season.”